One of the areas that Real Madrid appear to be looking to improve in is their midfield. That should not come as a surprise to anyone as Luka Modric is 37 years of age, Toni Kroos is rumoured to be considering retirement at the end of this season and there is a real possibility that Dani Ceballos could be on his way out of the club very soon.
It is no secret that Real Madrid’s top target to strengthen in the middle of the park is Jude Bellingham, who is also wanted by Liverpool, Manchester City and others. As a result, Los Blancos were believed to have been eyeing Enzo Fernandez as an alternative.
But now, it looks like the Argentine World Cup winner might not be available at all by the time the summer transfer window opens.
As tweeted out by Gianluca Di Marzio, Fernandez is very close to signing for Chelsea. Last details on the payment terms: €127 million deal in instalments.
Chelsea are very close to signing the Real Madrid target in record deal
If the deal ends up going through then it would make Fernandez the most expensive player in Premier League history. Thus, it goes without saying that that is a risky move on the part of Chelsea.
After all, Fernandez only has half-a-season of experience in European football with Benfica. But it seems that his brilliant World Cup campaign with Argentina has turned him into a can’t miss prospect for Chelsea. There does seem to be a hint of desperation behind the potential move as well, with the Blues struggling badly under the management of Graham Potter.
All the latest signs seem to be pointing towards Fernandez ending up at Chelsea in January and as a result, Real Madrid should start eyeing up another alternative target to Bellingham. One more midfielder that they have been linked with is Manuel Locatelli of Juventus.